http://www.tampabay.com/sports/boxing-david-haye-retains-wba-heavyweight-title/1085045 MANCHESTER, England — David Haye successfully defended his WBA heavyweight title, knocking down John Ruiz four times Saturday before the challenger's corner stopped the fight in the ninth round. Fighting in his home country, Haye sent Ruiz to the canvas twice in the first round, including 30 seconds in. But Ruiz stayed in it until his trainer waved the white towel 2 minutes and 1 second into the ninth. Haye said he wants to unite the heavyweight belts. Between them, the Klitschkos, Vitali and Wladimir, hold the WBC and IBF titles and the minor WBO title. So relaxed was Haye, 29, whose nickname is "Hayemaker," that before the fight, he spent the afternoon at Manchester United's soccer game against Chelsea. "I felt I was really sharp," said Haye (24-1 with 22 knockouts). "The crowd has been absolutely electric for me. There was a 20,000 capacity here with everyone screaming 'Hayemaker.' With performances like that, I'll keep the fans behind me." Ruiz, 38, (44-9-1 with 30 knockouts) previously held the WBA title twice.
John Ruiz may be my least favourite fighter of all time and seeing him lose brings me great joy, but the manner in which Haye won was a bit of a letdown. Haye threw several rabbit punches in the fight (Apr. 3rd, night of the rabbit punch apparently) and if there is any fighter who is going to milk that for everything it's Ruiz.